The Details

Since 2010, Houston has been offering chef-inspired and -led culinary tours showcasing Houston's mom and pop restaurants. The program will continue in 2013, sharing diverse cultures and undiscovered restaurants with visitors and locals. The program has generated nearly $50,000 for the family-owned restaurants, ethnic markets and other locations visited on the tours.

Several Houston culinary legends have joined on for this year, including Robert del Grande, Anita Jaisinghani, Levi Goode, Bryan Caswell, Monica Pope and Rebecca Masson. Tours are limited to 16 participants, and cost $180 per person including tastings at each stop, complimentary local Saint Arnold's beer, limobus transportation and gift a bag. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization, Foodways Texas.

Example tours include Korean with Chris Shepherd and Ryan Pera on Jan. 20; Seafood with Bryan Caswell and Levi Goode on March 17; Taco with Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan on June 23; Vegetarian with Robert del Grande and Anita Jaisinghani on Aug. 18; Southern Comfort with Randy Evans and Rebecca Masson; and several others throughout the year.